1990 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2.0 Over Head Cam from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Car was put on a diagnostics check to find out why the idle was reving up and down.

Tires had to be replaced.

Factory tape deck and radio didn't work so I replaced it with a Pioneer CD player.

All four factory speakers had to be replaced.

Automatic truck release worked until the truck got opened too many times and the wires broke. (easy fix)

General Comments:

I love this car. I got it for Christmas and I have put about $4000.00 if not more into it, but I don't regret it.

It's a very dependable car specially in the winter.

The 2.0 liter over head cam engine gives more than enough power to get off the line quickly. I have raced many cars made in the same year, but have lost to only two because the owners had put about $35000 into the engine.

The car is very easy to do work on and the after markets parts are easy to come by.

I myself have just replaced the speakers, the CD player, put an aftermarket spoiler on, new rims and winter tires, and I am now working on the interior of the car.

14th Oct 2006, 16:31

Hey guys, it's me again. I hope you all get this. I tried your emails, but was unsuccessful. The wiring is all back there. Most of it is taped away in the back corner closest to the passenger side. My best advice is make sure you take the whole center area out where everything was like the radio and or tape deck. Doing this will maximize room and make the job 1000 times easier. If you need more help, my email is devil_dude61@hotmail.com

9th Jun 2013, 18:52

Would you please tell me why it is your car was revving up and down? I have the same car with the same problem. Can't figure out what it is. Replaced the TPS and it still does it. Would be very grateful. Thanks.

1990 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive with the top, and the pedal down

Faults:

The head gasket went at 132,000 miles, so I went ahead and rebuilt the engine myself. I installed all new bearings, rings, gaskets, water pump, timing belt, and hoses. I did all of this for less than 500 dollars including machine work.

The turbocharger started to smoke a bit at 140,000 miles. I was able to get it rebuilt with a new cartridge for 318 dollars.

The starter died on it at 135,000 miles. I tried to start it when the temperature was at -20 one January morning.

The alternator went at 166,000 miles. It took less than 20 minutes to replace.

The factory CD player went shortly after I bought the car, and the rest of the stereo system went about two months ago.

Tires and brakes have been replaced of course.

General Comments:

I can't complain about this car since I bought it an auction for 550 dollars. I payed so little for it because it had a rip in the convertible top. I have less than 2000 dollars in the car, including a new top and rear window.

This car doesn't have bad acceleration, in fact I can outrun almost any car that was made around the same time it was manufactured. I have driven it in the mountains, and it has no problems there either.

This car is reasonably comfortable on long trips.

It is also fuel efficient, averaging 24 miles per gallon around town, and 30 on the highway. These mileage figures are with hard driving around town, and average speeds of 75 or more miles per hour on the open road.